CBD Oil for Dogs: The Definitive Guide

Last Updated on May 30, 2019

There’s nothing worse than seeing your pet in
distress. Fortunately, there’s a natural OTC solution that’s both safe and
effective for a variety of common issues. And it’s got the research to back it
up. We’re talking, of course, about CBD oil for dogs.

CBD use for dogs is on the rise. This is
partially due to the growing acceptance of medicinal Cannabis and the
grassroots legalization effort surrounding it. But the greater truth is this:
Cannabis and its chemical compounds like CBD are clinically proven to promote
healing and overall wellbeing in animals.

In fact, there’s a CBD oil solution for a number
of issues that us pet owners face on a regular basis. Is your dog experiencing
pain or elevated stress levels? Give him a CBD treat and watch him perk back up.
Maybe your pup isn’t eating? Give her a CBD pill and rejoice at how quickly her
appetite returns. This all-natural and wholesome solution is non-addictive and
doesn’t product any ‘highs’ or changes in mood. Aside, of course, from a
happier state of being.

We’re all pet lovers here, and we all care about
the wellbeing of our loyal friends. To that end, we’ve written this article
about CBD oil for dogs to demonstrate the drug’s efficacy and ability to improve
your pet’s health. We’ll take a look at
the science, the current CBD marketplace, and the future of the industry as a
whole. Ready to begin? Let’s see if CBD oil is right for you and your pet.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a chemical
compound that comes from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant originates from Central Asia, and it actually
contains over 100 active chemicals known as phytocannabinoids. Some are
psychoactive, like THC, while others are non-psychotropic, like CBD. This means
that there is no “high” involved in CBD use, save for mild somatic effects that
often have a pleasant feeling associated with them.

Cannabis and CBD have been used medicinally for
thousands of years, and for a
variety of purposes. Today, the plant is
commonly used to treat the following in humans and animals:

Relieve pain

Reduce depression & anxiety

Boost appetite

Prevent diseases

& much more

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! As the
plant continues to gain legal status in states across the country, its
popularity continues to surge. This, in turn, increases the pressure on
institutions to conduct more research, and exciting new findings are pouring
from reputable scientific journals on a regular basis.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

CBD oil works in a variety of ways, and it’s
used to treat a variety of conditions. While we don’t know exactly how
it functions in the body, there is a lot that we do know.

Cannabinoids act on the endocannabinoid system in cells that regulate
neurotransmitter release within the brain. These cells are responsible for a
host of functions within the central and peripheral nervous systems, including
those associated with overall balance and wellbeing. CBD alters the release of
these neurotransmitters in a variety of ways, often increasing the effects of
helpful ones while protecting the body from those associated with pain.

A large number of mammals share a similar
endocannabinoid system within their brains. This means that CBD can prove
medically beneficial to a range of animals. One area of particular interest for
cannabis researchers has been with a pet we all know and love. Namely, dogs.

CBD for Dogs: Research & Studies

The internet is fraught with claims of this
and that, and it can be hard to uncover the truth. To help achieve clarity,
we’ve assembled a list of scholarly articles related to CBD oil for dogs. The
findings are impressive, to say the least.

Landa, Leos, et al. “The Use of Cannabinoids in Animals and Therapeutic Implications for Veterinary Medicine: A Review.” ResearchGate, 2016. Find on ResearchGate.

How to Use CBD Oil for Dogs

How does CBD affect dogs, in particular? As the
above studies indicate, CBD
affects dogs in a similar fashion to
humans. That is, it works to relieve pain and increase overall wellbeing by
altering the endocannabinoid system. These effects, in turn, proliferate
throughout the body via the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Image Credit TreatWellHealth.com

But the question remains: how can we use CBD to
improve our pup’s health?

Though there are many different types of CBD oil
products out there, the most common is the CBD oil tincture. It’s pure, simple,
and effective. Moreover, it’s easy to administer, and you get to pick the exact
dosage. For these reasons, we highly recommend it as a great starting point.
Check out the guide below to see just how easy it is to get started:

1. Hold the bottle and fill the dropper with
oil. A common rule of thumb is 0.25mg of CBD tincture per pound of weight, but
be sure to consult the official dosing guide. Remove the dropper and
prepare for administration.

2. If your dog is mild-tempered, or if you’ve
chosen a flavored oil, consider squeezing it straight into your pup’s mouth.
Another great option is to mix the CBD oil with food or dab in onto a treat for
easy consumption. Our favorite solution? Mix it with a spoonful of peanut
butter for a tasty treat.

3. Depending on the needs of your pet, you may
need to repeat the process multiple times a day. Again, consult with the
official dosing guide and consult your vet with any questions.

Types of CBD Oils for Dogs

Tinctures are an excellent choice for first
timers and veterans alike, but there are tons of different CBD products you can
try. The most popular treatments for dogs include:

Tinctures

Topical ointments

Food & treats

Pills

Much like the human variants, these products are
all infused with the isolated CBD compound to provide the benefits and relief
associated with non-psychotropic Cannabis use. The result? A tail wag and a big
puppy kiss!

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Dogs

As the industry expands, so too does the number
of products on the market. And that makes choosing the best option for your pet
more difficult than ever. To minimize the risk and hassle, we’ve narrowed down
some of the best ways to ensure you’re getting quality medication:

1. Look for a CBD brand that has their formulas
independently tested.

All of the top CBD pet brands have their
formulas independently tested at professional labs to ensure quality control
and safety. Check their manufacturing process and inspect their websites to see
the story for yourself.

2. Check their references and reviews.

The best CBD pet brands are heavily involved in
the community, and you can find information about them from reputable sites and
zines across the web. Moreover, many are headed by vets and doctors that are
continuously investing in research and new studies. Be sure to check these out,
and carefully inspect consumer reviews for a more accurate assessment of a
product’s benefits.

3. Ask the decision maker!

As long as you’ve done your research and picked
one of the best CBD pet brands, you should be in clear. Consider buying a trial
size to see how your dog reacts. If they appear to be experiencing less pain or
stress, excellent work. And if it’s not the right fit? You can always count on
your four-legged friend to let you know!

Still not convinced? Contact your favorite
brand’s customer support with any questions or concerns.

Risks Associated with CBD for Dogs

While Cannabis and CBD are far safer than most
medications, there are still some risks involved with use. While much of the
worry can be mitigated by choosing a reputable brand with quality-sourced
chemical compounds and proven consumer ratings, the fact remains– we’re still
learning about CBD.

This
study by the AHVMA documents the potential
dangers and adverse effects associated with cannabidiol in dogs. While the
consensus is that there’s minimal risk in treating dogs with CBD, some do
indeed experience diarrhea and higher levels of serum ALP. Neither of these
conditions are overwhelmingly threatening, but it does highlight the potential
for negative side effects.

Our recommendation? Stay up to date on the
latest research and studies, and be sure to monitor your pet for any side
effects. In addition, remember to consult with your veterinarian for the most
up-to-date information on the subject.

CBD Oil for Dogs: Looking Ahead

The landscape is rapidly changing, and it’s only
going to get crazier as CBD use expands. This makes it especially important to
stay on top of any changes, as you must be sure to treat your pets with the
safest and most effective products possible.

To that end, we’ll continue to update this page
with any new information. Additionally, you can expect similar
articles in the future. As always, the team
here at Pet Territory wishes you and your pup the utmost health &
happiness!

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